Stoupa holiday villa

We spent a wonderful week in Stoupa. The house was as we expected: beautiful and confortable. And fully equipped for the perfect holiday. There were even two beach umbrellas and beach towels were provided too. All that is written in the other reviews is true, so I won't repeat it.

Nikki, the owner, has always been very kind and friendly in her e-mails, while Rod and Jen, the British couple that looks after the house, were lovely and gave us a lot of useful tips for our trips around the Messinian gulf. They were the best of hosts!

I would recommend this villa to everyone.

We have recently returned from a lovely week staying at the Villa. The owner Nikki, could not have been more helpful whilst booking and then leading up to the holiday itself, and the villa didn't let us down on arrival. The villa is very modern, clean and fresh, and is beautifully fitted out. It was also very quiet which we hadn't expected as you normally get some building work in the area, but were also lucky that the villa next door was empty during our stay. Rod and Jen were there to greet us and are on hand should they be needed. The spring water tap mentioned previously was definately a godsend as we got through so much water as there was a mini heatwave whilst we there.
We did struggle to get shade later in the afternoons, and did end up sitting at the front of the house a couple of times, and hopefully Nikki is now getting some cushions for the chairs on the balcony and the steamer chairs as they got very uncomfortable after a while. The only other thing that would improve the villa would be the inclusion of a pool. However, i can thoroughly recommend this property.

It is now three weeks since we returned from our holiday in this pearl of the Peloponnese so I am able to write a more objective review than if I had written in the immediate afterglow of a fantastic two week break.

First thing to say is the reality of Villa Serendipity is actually even better than the attractive and comprehensive listing on this site. Location was excellent; a decent 15 minute walk to the bars and restaurants of the waterfront - no time by car - in an elevated position off a quiet road heading towards villages on the side of the Taygetus mountains. So it was far enough away to be secluded, but close enough to be part of the action, ideal.

The villa was way too large for our family of three, but being out of season, it was still very competitively priced for us, so we didn't miss having others in tow just to make up the numbers. I'd say for a summer holiday it would be ideal for two couples with no more than two kids each, but if you wanted to be particular cosy, it could probably accommodate even more with a sofa bed in the living area! It is light, clean and airy; white walls throughout, tiled floors and modern, luxury furniture and fittings. The bed in the large bedroom has to be one of the comfiest we've ever slept in!

Bathrooms were great and the kitchen had pretty much everything you could wish for. The attention to detail in furnishing the villa is a great credit to Nikki and her husband. And with Rod and Jen just down the road, if something does need sorting out, they will do it quickly, effectively and with pleasure.

That attitude is one which pretty much permeates throughout Stoupa. People there, be they short-term visitors, longer-term expats from other parts of Europe, taverna owners, restaurant or shop staff all exude a justifiable pride in the place. It has to be one of the friendliest and most hospitable places we've ever visited, even allowing for the fact that it was our gorgeous 11 month old daughter who attracted the most attention!

We were there in mid-April so quite a number of places that I imagine will be open from May were closed. However, everywhere we did eat and drink is worth a recommendation - there just isn't enough space to mention them all. Much praise should be given, however, for the hospitality at Angeliki's Spitaki and the atmosphere and setting of Akrogiali.

All in all, this villa - and this village - is highly recommended. Don't hesitate, book now!